It can be SO much easier to be unhealthy than healthy. It’s easier to choose the drive thru than to cook, or Netflix over working out. Trust me! There are a LOT of days I want to make those choices. Today I am sharing 8 daily habits that will change your life for the better.
8 Daily Habits That Will Change Your Life
Make a to-do list: I actually do this every night before bed. I make a to-do list for the next day. This way I know everything that needs to be done or even things that I just want to accomplish. I always put my daily workout on my to-do list as well. I have the mind set that if it’s on the list it has to get done!
Sweat: If you have 15 minutes you can do this. Grab some 5 lb weights and do an arm workout, go to Pinterest and find an at home, no equipment workout. There are even workouts to do at your desk at work! No excuses!
Walk: Other than a workout I try to walk everyday. I do this with the baby or if I have a sitter I do it by myself. The walk is my time to reflect.
Meal Plan: Meal planning has truly saved us! We used to buy so much extra crap that would get thrown away or go bad. Now we meal plan every week and consult that meal plan on a daily basis. What helps this daily is that we never have a “what do you want for dinner?” discussion or spend 20 minutes standing in the kitchen trying to figure it out. It’s such a time saver.
Read something: Maybe you don’t have time to read a book but read an article, read a poem, read a blog. Just read something to further your mind.
Water: DRINK WATER! This is the thing that I sometimes now forget to do. I am so busy with the baby there are times I legit forget until I am so thirsty I am chugging water. I find that keeping a tumbler or a bottle of water with me at all times is very helpful! I try to drink 80-100 oz of water a day.
Stretch: In the morning and at night I try to do a few stretches. They always make me feel good and relaxed. Such a great way to start and end each day.
Sleep: Duh right? If you are a new mom like me or a mom in general this may be tough. Liam is starting to sleep through the night more consistently so I am getting a lot more sleep. Sometimes going to bed early means waiting a day or two to watch a show, or just not seeing the latest Instagram post, but I try to go to sleep by 9 every night. I am a morning person so this isn’t too hard for me.
Bonus**** wake up early! I wake up when Andrew wakes up every day. I could sleep another hour but waking up early gives me a little time to myself before the baby is up so I can eat breakfast, do some stretches, watch a DVR show, get some work done, etc. That hour really helps.
I hope you utilize these 8 daily habits that will change your life. I would love to know what you would add!
I always make a to do list as well – I can’t survive without one. It really helps get my thoughts organised and getting a planner specifically for lists has changed my life, truly. Next step – meal prepping!
Totally agree. I also think doing a little bit of cleaning every day makes it a less overwhelming chore. Sometimes it’s just dusting or just picking up the clothes that are sitting on my chair that make me feel accomplished! Jessica | http://www.roomforgelato.com
Thank you for sharing this, I agree with all your points 🙂 Making a to do list keeps you on the right track, it really does prevent you from swaying off track. I think it’s best to have a smaller to-do list rather than one with about 20 items on it because it can just get way too overwhelming. Waking up early/earlier is a must, it’s something that I’ve tried to incorporate into my life – My mornings are now the times when I really give my to do list a good tackle.
I love to walk as well! I use our baby carrier to add some extra weight (baby weighs 20 lbs, so it’s a good workout). Meal planning is the one I always have trouble with, I can just never find the time even though I know it saves so much time!
Love this! One thing I try to do each day (or at least a few times a week) is to write down one good thing that made me smile on a little piece of paper. I have a jar on my bookshelf where I keep those little notes, so I can go back and read them when I need a pick-me-up!
I feel so much better when I am doing all of the above!! Now just to practice the discipline to actually *do* all the above. . . great suggestions, Neely. Reading and cooking are probably the only one I consistently participate in. Thank you for sharing!
Great reminder! I really need to start making a to do list every night, because my mind gets so cluttered sometimes. Also, I really really need to start with my workouts agai. It’s gotten to that point where it’s soooo hard to start it up again. Meal planning is awesome, we do it too and it saves to much time, money and discussions!
I do most of these, but I have GOT to work harder to drink more water. The problem isn’t that I’m drinking something else, it’s that I’m drinking nothing. Here’s to making sure I take my reusable water EVERYWHERE this summer!
I could’t live without my to-do list. I try to follow these other habits as much as I can, especially LOTS of water and sufficient sleep. You’re right, bad habits are certainly easier so we need to make a concerted effort to do the things that are good for ourselves.
This, this, and all of this! Wow… I feel like I must be doing better at life than I thought because I’ve learned to do all these things. LEARNED. It wasn’t easy, and it still ain’t easy to incorporate them every day. In fact, I need to get off my laptop and go practice my yoga right now, and this post has inspired me. Thanks. I’m subscribing…cause it really does start with coffee, doesn’t it? 🙂
To-do lists are so effective for me. I notice I get so much more done with lists! Also, one of the things we do is park our car far (if we need to drive vs. transit). It forces us to walk 🙂
These are great tips. I am good about drinking plenty of water and exercising every day but I am horrible at making time for a consistent sleeping routine.
This is great ! It is amazing how seemingly small changes, such as getting 30 minutes of exercise, can completely change the way you feel for the entire day.
YES to alllllll of these! The only other thing I would add would be to keep a healthy snack in your purse, but that’s just because I’m a snacking machine. So with you on the walk + water especially!!!
I drink water like crazy. In my fridge there is an entire shelf with 5 bottles full of water so I can always have access to super cold water. I was brought up always having to drink a lot because of kidney problems so I’m used to drinking about 4 litres of water a day. I panic I’m going to die from drinking too much water!
Hi there! I love your tips. I am trying to work exercise, getting up early, and meal planning into my daily schedule. Do you have any advice for getting started? Momentum building is easier once the ball is rolling I’m sure.
So helpful! I now get up when baby wakes up. I used to delay our morning by pulling him in for a snuggle (and I still do sometimes) but it is nice to get an extra hour (or two) in my day! I also love, love taking him for a walk! We bundle up and go out every day! I just feel so much better if I get out of the house for a little bit. Without a doubt.
Thanks for the list. I do most of them, especially the drinking water and walking thing. I remember my doctor told me that if you do something routinely , like walk around the block two times, that is no longer exercise, it is considered routine. So I try to walk more that what my body has been accustomed to.
I’m so bad about getting up with Josh. He gets up an hour and a half before I have to! I end up waking up when he kisses me goodbye. But, I definitely should get up so I can do more in the mornings before work!
Oh my goodness, I totally agree and love ALL of these habits listed. I’m pretty good at most of them with the exception of getting enough sleep… still working on that one. It’s hard to do with all the things on my to-do list staring at me but sometime we just have to shut our brains off. If we get enough exercise and/or walking in the day, then hopefully it makes us tired enough to crash before too late. Love this article!
All so basic but so hard at the same time haha drinking water and working out are big ones for me. My day is always more productive and I’m more energized on the days I have my health in order.
I need to work on ca couple of these especially the walking one. I als need to stretch more. I used to be really flexible and with age I am becoming not so flexible. These are great ways to have a positive life!
Ineed to get better about stretching every day. I will say that waking up early is a huge one for me though! I like to get organized in the morning rather than at night (I always forget stuff at night) so that wake up is key!
I always make a to do list as well – I can’t survive without one. It really helps get my thoughts organised and getting a planner specifically for lists has changed my life, truly. Next step – meal prepping!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Totally agree. I also think doing a little bit of cleaning every day makes it a less overwhelming chore. Sometimes it’s just dusting or just picking up the clothes that are sitting on my chair that make me feel accomplished! Jessica | http://www.roomforgelato.com
Thank you for sharing this, I agree with all your points 🙂 Making a to do list keeps you on the right track, it really does prevent you from swaying off track. I think it’s best to have a smaller to-do list rather than one with about 20 items on it because it can just get way too overwhelming. Waking up early/earlier is a must, it’s something that I’ve tried to incorporate into my life – My mornings are now the times when I really give my to do list a good tackle.
Have a great week 🙂
Chloe @ https://girllgonerogue.blogspot.co.uk/
YES! To all of these! Especially water and sweating. My family can’t believe how much water I drink but I feel so sick if I don’t have enough!
Great list of habits. I definitely need to meal plan and drink more water. These were great. Thanks for sharing!
I love to walk as well! I use our baby carrier to add some extra weight (baby weighs 20 lbs, so it’s a good workout). Meal planning is the one I always have trouble with, I can just never find the time even though I know it saves so much time!
Love this! One thing I try to do each day (or at least a few times a week) is to write down one good thing that made me smile on a little piece of paper. I have a jar on my bookshelf where I keep those little notes, so I can go back and read them when I need a pick-me-up!
Great suggestions. Learning how to get up early changed my life.
These are such simple things, but they’re SO important. I’ve been trying to drink more water, too!
I feel so much better when I am doing all of the above!! Now just to practice the discipline to actually *do* all the above. . . great suggestions, Neely. Reading and cooking are probably the only one I consistently participate in. Thank you for sharing!
Great reminder! I really need to start making a to do list every night, because my mind gets so cluttered sometimes. Also, I really really need to start with my workouts agai. It’s gotten to that point where it’s soooo hard to start it up again. Meal planning is awesome, we do it too and it saves to much time, money and discussions!
I do most of these, but I have GOT to work harder to drink more water. The problem isn’t that I’m drinking something else, it’s that I’m drinking nothing. Here’s to making sure I take my reusable water EVERYWHERE this summer!
Love this list! Truly inspiring I need to work on the sweat part because I always feel so good after a workout.
I could’t live without my to-do list. I try to follow these other habits as much as I can, especially LOTS of water and sufficient sleep. You’re right, bad habits are certainly easier so we need to make a concerted effort to do the things that are good for ourselves.
I’m trying to get into the habit of doing a meal plan! I hate being stuck and then getting hangry because I can’t think of what to eat that day.
This, this, and all of this! Wow… I feel like I must be doing better at life than I thought because I’ve learned to do all these things. LEARNED. It wasn’t easy, and it still ain’t easy to incorporate them every day. In fact, I need to get off my laptop and go practice my yoga right now, and this post has inspired me. Thanks. I’m subscribing…cause it really does start with coffee, doesn’t it? 🙂
Love your blog
To-do lists are so effective for me. I notice I get so much more done with lists! Also, one of the things we do is park our car far (if we need to drive vs. transit). It forces us to walk 🙂
These are a a great reminder!
These are great tips. I am good about drinking plenty of water and exercising every day but I am horrible at making time for a consistent sleeping routine.
These are great tips! To-do lists are a must for keeping me on track!
This is great ! It is amazing how seemingly small changes, such as getting 30 minutes of exercise, can completely change the way you feel for the entire day.
YES to alllllll of these! The only other thing I would add would be to keep a healthy snack in your purse, but that’s just because I’m a snacking machine. So with you on the walk + water especially!!!
I drink water like crazy. In my fridge there is an entire shelf with 5 bottles full of water so I can always have access to super cold water. I was brought up always having to drink a lot because of kidney problems so I’m used to drinking about 4 litres of water a day. I panic I’m going to die from drinking too much water!
I def need to read more!! Loved this list!!
These are really great tips! I am with ya on all of these. I love drinking water all day everyday and I always feel better after a good sweat!
Hi there! I love your tips. I am trying to work exercise, getting up early, and meal planning into my daily schedule. Do you have any advice for getting started? Momentum building is easier once the ball is rolling I’m sure.
Stretching is something I need to keep reminding myself to do! And I want to wake up earlier but I’m so much more of a night owl, lol.
So helpful! I now get up when baby wakes up. I used to delay our morning by pulling him in for a snuggle (and I still do sometimes) but it is nice to get an extra hour (or two) in my day! I also love, love taking him for a walk! We bundle up and go out every day! I just feel so much better if I get out of the house for a little bit. Without a doubt.
These are great! I need to start meal planning again. You’re right, stuff gets thrown away too often if you don’t plan!
Making a to-do list is such a great hobby! I always do mine the night before too! It puts my mind at ease and makes it easier to fall asleep.
Love this! I am trying hard to exercise everyday. Right now I get in 4-5 days.
I will be working on drinking more water until forever!!!! It’s so important, but I just forget to do it when I get busy
Thanks for the list. I do most of them, especially the drinking water and walking thing. I remember my doctor told me that if you do something routinely , like walk around the block two times, that is no longer exercise, it is considered routine. So I try to walk more that what my body has been accustomed to.
To-do lists are everything for me! I also agree with working out and drinking plenty of water. Love these tips girl!
Great habits to start doing on a daily basis. Simple, straightforward, no excuses!
I’m so bad about getting up with Josh. He gets up an hour and a half before I have to! I end up waking up when he kisses me goodbye. But, I definitely should get up so I can do more in the mornings before work!
Oh my goodness, I totally agree and love ALL of these habits listed. I’m pretty good at most of them with the exception of getting enough sleep… still working on that one. It’s hard to do with all the things on my to-do list staring at me but sometime we just have to shut our brains off. If we get enough exercise and/or walking in the day, then hopefully it makes us tired enough to crash before too late. Love this article!
Yes to these! I try to work out a few times a week and always drink water.
All so basic but so hard at the same time haha drinking water and working out are big ones for me. My day is always more productive and I’m more energized on the days I have my health in order.
Thank you for these tips, I have such a stressful life that simple tips like these will help me out so much
Excercising is definitely a part of my daily habits! I also make sure I eat breakfast everyday.
I need to work on ca couple of these especially the walking one. I als need to stretch more. I used to be really flexible and with age I am becoming not so flexible. These are great ways to have a positive life!
I’m declaring it – now’s the time I will ACTUALLY STICK WITH drinking more water!!!! No more perpetual dehydration!
Coming Up Roses
Great tips! Reading the list I think I’m lacking on the exercise department. Need to get fit and summer seems like the right time for me.
couldn’t agree more! Drinking water and making to-do lists are the top tips in my opinion. Key to well balanced, happy and organised life x
I definitely feel like I don’t always get enough sleep. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that I juggle a full-time career and a family.
Ineed to get better about stretching every day. I will say that waking up early is a huge one for me though! I like to get organized in the morning rather than at night (I always forget stuff at night) so that wake up is key!
Xxox
Laura @ http://www.cookwineandthinker.com